Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipe

These baked and breaded chicken cutlets are super easy to make and are always a huge hit in my house! The recipe combines juicy chicken breast, Parmesan cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs for a delicious, healthy meal that is sure to become a favorite in your house, too! With minimal prep time and only 20 minutes in the oven, this chicken cutlet recipe is the perfect dinner when you're in a rush. 

The Best Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets

I absolutely love breaded chicken, and when I want to make a healthier version without frying the chicken in oil, I always make this oven baked recipe.

I've been messing around with this recipe for years and can finally say that I've found the best way to make super crispy oven baked chicken cutlets. For a while, I either struggled with getting the breading crispy or getting juicy chicken, but this recipe I'm going to share with you results in both. Trust me, after you make this once, you'll never want to make breaded chicken cutlets any other way!

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Cutlets

• 2 whole chicken breasts - I use boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them in half lengthwise to make the cutlets.
• ¾ cup flour, 2 medium eggs - for binding the crispy coating to your chicken cutlets.
• Breadcrumb mixture - this recipe combines ¾ cup breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and ⅓ cup grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• Salt and black pepper - a pinch of each to taste.
• Chopped parsley - for garnish.

How To Make Baked Chicken Cutlets

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your chicken cutlets don't stick. 

Step 2: Prepare The Breading

Let's get the breading stations ready. First, add flour, salt, and pepper to a shallow dish. Next, combine breadcrumbs with half the parmesan and basil in a separate bowl medium shallow bowl. Finally, combine eggs with the remaining parmesan cheese in a third bowl.

Step 3: Pound The Chicken

Take each chicken breast and cut it in half length-wise. Then, cover the chicken breasts with plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin so that each chicken cutlet is the same thickness all the way through.

Step 4: Bread The Chicken Cutlets

Now it's time to bread the chicken. First, season each chicken breast with salt and pepper and dip in the flour. Shake off any excess flour, dip your chicken into the cheese and egg mixture, and coat with a generous amount of breadcrumbs. You may need to press down with your finger to make sure the crumbs stick. Repeat with the remaining chicken breast cutlets and add chicken to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake The Chicken

Bake the chicken cutlets for 15-20 minutes until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Take the chicken out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. Delicious!

Recipe Variations To Try

• Use Italian breadcrumbs for a different flavor. These contain Italian seasoning, which includes oregano, garlic powder, parsley, and other herbs for a rustic, traditional taste.
• Elevate this recipe a top your breaded chicken with mozzarella and marinara sauce before baking for a classic chicken parmesan.
• Drizzle a little lemon juice or lemon zest your chicken pieces before baking to brighten up the flavors.

How To Store Breaded Chicken Cutlets

I rarely have any leftover breaded chicken, but if you do, you're in luck because it tastes great the next day. Just allow any leftover chicken to cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep for longer, you can store the breaded chicken cutlets in a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. It makes a great quick meal! 

How To Reheat Breaded Chicken

To reheat your baked chicken cutlets, place them on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for the refrigerated chicken and 30 minutes for the frozen chicken, or until hot all the way through.

Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipe FAQS

Can I cook this recipe in an air fryer?

Sure, an air fryer is a great alternative to oven baking. Just make sure each chicken cutlet has enough space for the air to circulate. This will ensure your chicken breasts are fully cooked and the breadcrumbs are crispy the whole way around. Air fry the chicken at 400°F for about 16 minutes, flipping half way through cooking.

Can I fry my chicken instead?

Yes, these cutlets can also be fried over medium heat, though it won't be as healthy as if you bake them. You can use olive oil or vegetable oil, but make sure you use a large skillet or fry your cutlets one by one so they don't stick together. Once the cutlets are cooked on one side, you will need to flip them over to cook the other side. After frying, place them on a wire rack to drain any extra oil before serving.

Can I use panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, panko breadcrumbs work great and will give your chicken a crispy, crunchy, lighter coating. I personally like regular breadcrumbs, but give panko a try and see which you like best!

More Chicken Recipes

• Chicken eggplant parmesan
• Breaded chicken without eggs
• Mustard fried chicken
• Crispy fried chicken 
• Breaded chicken wings
• Homemade Church's Chicken